Malaysian government imposes two new “flimsy” conditions on Lynas rare earths project
“The two conditions are flimsy and general in nature. They are not specific enough and will in no way safeguard or appease the fears of residents living in the area,”
The group plans to challenge the government decision in court …
.. The ministry said the refinery would only be allowed to operate once Lynas complies with all the requirements, including the two extra conditions…… the government review has blocked the company from bringing in raw material.
Malaysia imposes 2 more conditions on controversial rare earth plant by Australian miner, Washington Post, By Associated Press, June 14, KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia’s government has imposed two new conditions on a rare earth refinery set up by Australian miner Lynas to assuage public fears of radioactive pollution.
Tan Bun Teet, who heads the “Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas” coalition, said Friday the group received a letter from the science ministry rejecting its appeal to revoke a license granted to Lynas earlier this year. The letter cited a lack of scientific and technical justification…….
The Malaysian government held a public hearing to review its decision amid protests by residents and civil groups over alleged health and environmental risks posed by potential leaks of radioactive waste. Controversy over the project poses a headache to the government with general elections expected this year.
Tan said the ministry instead told Lynas to submit a plan to immobilize radioactive elements in its waste, and an emergency
response plan on dust control.
“The two conditions are flimsy and general in nature. They are not specific enough and will in no way safeguard or appease the fears of residents living in the area,” he told The Associated Press. The group plans to challenge the government decision in court, he said…… The ministry said the refinery would only be allowed to operate once Lynas
complies with all the requirements, including the two extra conditions…… the government review has blocked the company from bringing in raw material. The plant will refine ore from Australia…..
Malaysia’s last rare earth refinery — operated by Japan’s Mitsubishi group in northern Perak state — was closed in 1992 following protests and claims that it caused birth defects and leukemia among residents. It is one of Asia’s largest radioactive waste cleanup sites.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/malaysia-imposes-2-more-conditions-on-controversial-rare-earth-plant-by-australian-miner/2012/06/15/gJQAlfj4dV_story.html
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